Women National Group (WNG)Launches Initiative to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence in Sudan

The Citizen/

The Women National Group launched a new initiative led by Dr. Sara Abu and Izdihar Murad, aimed at supporting survivors of sexual violence due to war, during a workshop held at the headquarters of the “Esnad Association” yesterday afternoon, January 6, 2026. The event witnessed a high-level presence, represented by Dr. Sulima Ishaq, Minister of State at the Ministry of Social Welfare, along with wide participation from civil societies, media entities, and interested parties.

Dr. Afaf Ahmed from the Esnad Association praised the role of the Ministry of Social Welfare in addressing the humanitarian crises resulting from the war. She also spoke about the objectives of Ambassador Sanad Dr. Najwa Ibrahim, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of the Egyptian-African Women’s Organization.

Dr. Sulima Ishaq provided a detailed explanation of the crimes and violations that women have been subjected to in various states of Sudan since the outbreak of the war, describing the scale of violence against them as an “unprecedented violation” that has not been witnessed by other countries that have gone through similar circumstances. The minister called for equal care and appreciation for survivors with those who fought wars on the ground, as they are directly affected by the consequences of the war.

Dr. Sulima stressed the need for concerted efforts among all parties to achieve the goals of enacting laws and developing strict legislation to protect women and children from gender-based violence. He emphasized the importance of fighting stigma by working hard to change societal perceptions of survivors. Additionally, he raised awareness about the need for intensified awareness campaigns on the rights of women and children under the current circumstances. Joint coordination creates a strong link between civil society organizations, government agencies, and international organizations.